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Protecting Art

Minimizing Light Damage

Protecting Your Fine Art From Light-Induced Fading

Light can cause a catch-22 in your art collection.

It is necessary to expose art pieces to light in order to view them, but light can also cause fading and damage to your pieces.

Fortunately, there are steps you can take to minimize the effects of light on your collection.

Avoid Sunlight

Sunlight is partially composed of damaging UV rays. Just as sun exposure can damage your skin; it can also cause deterioration of your artwork.

Take a look at your art collection at various times of day. If any sunlight is falling on a piece, move the piece to a new location.

Keep the curtains closed in the room where you store your art. You can also install special UV filtering film on your windows, which will allow light inside but block the damaging UV rays.

Avoid Fluorescents

Although fluorescent light is back in vogue to its energy saving capabilities, fluorescent light can damage fine art.

Incandescent bulbs do not emit UV rays and are considered safer for lighting artwork. If you do use fluorescent bulbs, cover them in a special UV blocking wrapper or film.

Avoid Spotlights

So called “picture lights” are readily available, and often used to spotlight artworks. However, these lights should not be used on fragile art pieces.

Although they may not emit UV rays, the heat that is generated on the piece can be equally damaging.

Consider Framing Paintings Under UV Blocking Glass

UV blocking is available in both glass and Plexiglas covers. If your paintings will be exposed to light on a regular basis, consider having them professionally mounted under UV blocking glass or plexi.

Talk to a professional framer for advice on which material to select for your item.

Rotate Pieces

If your artworks are particularly fragile, such as paper items or photographs, or are regularly exposed to light, consider rotating your collection.

Create a safe storage room with proper ventilation and humidity control as well as light control. Rotate your pieces between display and the storage room.

Display Copies

If your artwork is fragile or extremely valuable, consider displaying a copy instead. Keep the original stored in your safe storage room where it can be properly preserved.

Don’t Forget Furniture, Crafts and Other Pieces

Although many of us are aware of the effects that light can have on paintings, we sometimes forget that light can wreak havoc on other items as well.

Fabrics are especially susceptible to damage, most commonly in the area of fading. However, craft pieces, sculptures and even handmade jewelry items should be protected as well.

Museums dedicate entire teams to the preservation and restoration of pieces of art.

Although many of their techniques are expensive and impractical for the home collector, there are steps you can take to minimize the effects of light in your own home.

If you have questions or concerns, a local gallery or museum may be able to help. Think through your unique needs and follow the tips above, and you will be well on your way to protecting your valuable collection.

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